The government IT Christmas list: Is the cloud on it?

As a former IT Director in the government sector, I often had an IT budget hangover at this time of the year. I listened to my users and I found some great solutions, but I had to fit them into a budget that was smaller than what I really needed. As soon as I was given my budget number, I would start highlighting and deleting budget rows until I could fit my proposed purchases into the smaller budget I was allotted.

Today, I would switch cutting my purchases with exploring other ways to acquire solutions – most notably, the cloud. Using cloud-based solutions can really stretch a government budget by eliminating software, hardware and even personnel costs. Many recent surveys suggest that cloud computing is gaining supporters in both the private and public sectors. So it is logical that today, as you face a smaller IT budget for the coming year, you might be thinking about dipping your toes into the waters (or mists) of the cloud option.

Before you do, here are some great blog posts to help you understand key questions to evaluate the cloud as an option and to use as you evaluate solution providers that would offer you a hosted (or cloud) solution.

1. In the cloud, experience matters
A great piece by Ed McQuiston, Hyland’s vice president of global sales, highlighting the path to a viable, cloud-based option that is secure and dependable. Along the way, it discusses some key areas to research as you examine solution providers and the strength of their cloud solutions.

2. 5 cloud security tips you’re not thinking about
Kevin Hout, a core operations manager at Hyland, does a nice job emphasizing the key issue for the cloud – security. Read this blog to add to your list of questions as you consider cloud solutions and solution providers.

3. Not all clouds are born equal: IaaS vs. SaaS vs. PaaS
If you are struggling with cloud acronyms, pricing models and contracts, David Jones – cloud solution manager at Hyland – uses Legos as a metaphor to help explain the different ways the cloud can be used and what each model offers. As each solution has pros and cons, you should have the framework down before you select the best model best for your organization.

Adoption of cloud-based solutions has been slower in government compared to other industries, but that shouldn’t hold you back. However, security concerns and the true costs of a cloud solution are important areas to consider before you move data, launch services or deploy cloud-based solutions.

Using the three blog posts above will give you and your organization great insights. So, if you are looking to meet all your technology needs in 2015 and need the cloud to do it, make sure to read these pieces before you send Santa your wish list!

Wondering what goes into a document management or ECM software deployment in government? Terri Jones, Hyland's government marketing portfolio manager, has your answer. In her 10 plus years in both state and local government, she's managed IT departments, implemented ECM strategies and written legislation and program policies. If that isn't enough to prove her IT expertise in government, she has also designed and implemented data systems and websites to manage compliance and funding in excess of $90 million annually. Have a question for her? Contact her at terri.jones@onbase.com.